Last Week:A Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship changed Wooj Byan’s life. In 1990 he received a $23,000 scholarship that allowed him to travel from South Korea to study in the United States, earn a law degree and become a successful lawyer in Edina, Minn. Now he wants to give back.

Wooj, a member of Edina Rotary, says he carries two mortgages now, one is for his house and the other is his intent to pay back the scholarship award with interest. He estimates that commitment at $2 million.

“Rotary is responsible for my success,” he said in explanation.

The ambassadorial scholarship program began in 1946. Since then, it has provided scholarship awards to some 40,000 scholars from 120 countries.

Over the years, Wooj has been influenced by a memorable performance by Howard Russell in the 1946 movie “The Best Year of My Life,” the writing of Victor Frankl (“Man’s Search for Meaning”), and the philanthropy of Bill Gates. He said his commitment to “service above self” ripened when the idea of service migrated from his head to his heart.

“You just do it,” he said about his concept of service. “You just give, and you don’t expect anything back.”

Wooj has written a book, called “My Rotary Journey,” where he lays out his evolving relationship with Rotary and service. One of his most dramatic episodes in the book is about his arranging for a gifted pianist from South Korea, a woman who has only two fingers on each hand, to perform in Minnesota. It was designed to boost the spirits of a young boy who had a similar disability.

“Creating hope is now a mission for me,” he said.

Wooj was in law school at the University of Minnesota with Brad Frago.

Mini-Classification:Brad Frago to Minnesota to attend Carleton College and really never left. He fell in love with Minnesota, learning all about local geography by listening to weather reports and school closings on WCCO-radio. He graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School and went to work as a law clerk in Meeker County. He met his wife, Michelle, our fearless leader, when she interviewed for a job there. They now live in Northfield with their two children and work together in a family law practice.

New Members: Shelley Holden, vice president of Housing and Community Outreach for Northfield Retirement Community, was formally inducted into the club. Kyle Nordine is her sponsor.